UFC 318: Dan Ige vs. Patricio Pitbull: Live round-by-round updates

Dan Ige and Patrício Pitbull meet in a featherweight showdown that promises fireworks. Ige has fought a lot of top contenders in the featherweight division and is coming off a strong win over Sean Woodson.

Pitbull, the longtime face of Bellator, is still hunting for his first UFC victory. Both fighters are proven, but they seemingly don't have time on their side. A loss here pushes one of them further out of the title picture.

Ige is a clean puncher with genuine knockout power. He can wrestle when needed and carries his power deep into fights. His biggest issue has been output. He waits, sometimes too long, and lets opponents steal rounds.

Pitbull is far more balanced. He’s not a volume striker, but he has dangerous power in both hands. He can also grapple and control position on the ground if the fight hits the mat.

Pitbull has suggested Ige’s grappling has holes, and he may look to exploit that early. But Ige’s takedown defense is solid, and he’s rarely controlled on the ground.

UFC 318 takes place at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans on Saturday, July 19, with early prelims starting at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT on ESPN2, ESPN+, and Disney+, prelims at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on ESPN, ESPN+, and Disney+. Meanwhile, the main card will air on ESPN+ Pay-Per-View beginning at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

Stay tuned to Sportskeeda MMA for the live coverage and play-by-play updates of the fight:

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Round 1

Ige starts the fight as the aggressor with a low left calf kick. A straight punch off the center line from Ige. Quick jab to the body from the No.11-ranked featherweight. Pitbull tries to fire back with an overhand right. Strong calf kick from Pitbull, and Ige tries to get inside the pocket to trade some punches. Pitbull shoots for a takedown and takes Ige's back. Ige is doing a great job of defending, but Pitbull stays on top of him. Ige lands a left elbow on his way out after breaking free from the position. Solid calf kicks from Ige. Good knee by Pitbull, and Ige barely misses with the spinning attack.

Our Score: 10-9 Pitbull

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Round 2

Ige's attacking with the left high kick now, but with heavy telegraph on them. Ige attacks with a right hand and a left hook. A snapping left straight from Ige. He has multiplied his output in this round while Pitbull seems content to circle around. Ige is trying to press the action, and Pitbull lands a solid punch that hurts Ige. He swarms for the finish with uppercuts and straight rights. Wide looping punches from Pitbull and Ige fires back. Level change from Pitbull as he takes Ige down and transitions to side control. Beautiful shoulder strikes from the Brazilian.

Our Score: 10-9 Pitbull (20-18 overall)

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Round 3

Ige's corner is pressuring him to chase the finish. He lands a solid right head kick as Pitbull tries to get in for a takedown. He's split open badly, but he shows no signs of slowing down. Ige's trying to capitalize on the moment, but Pitbull immediately shoots for a takedown. Ige gets back on his feet and lands a left hook to the body. Ige is winning the striking exchanges, but Pitbull immediately shoots for a takedown to disrupt the momentum. That has largely been the story in the third round.

Our Score: 10-9 Ige (29-28 overall)

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Official Result

Patricio Pitbull defeats Dan Ige by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, and 29-28).